Michelia champaca L. (Swarna Champa): A Review

The present review of Michelia champaca L. includes its traditional uses, pharmacological activities and presence of various phytochemicals. The essential oil obtained from the flowers has useful application in perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. The plant is traditionally used for the treatment of fever, colic, leprosy and for curing cough and rheumatism. Bark is stimulant, diuretic and used in fever as febrifuge. Root bark is purgative and emmenagogue used in amenorrhoea. Swarn champa contain various phytochemicals like alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates. Pharmacological activities like anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer activities are found to have in this precious plant. It has been reached to endangered level because of the poor germination of seeds either due to its short life or predation by insects, birds and animals. Therefore, micropropagation is in demand for the conservation of this multi-medicinal plant.